Editorial: Don't dawdle over gays in the military

FILE - In this Feb. 1, 2010 file photo, Defense Secretary Robert Gates, left, and Joint Chiefs Chairman Adm. Mike Mullen hold a briefing at the Pentagon, Defense Secretary Robert Gates and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Adm. Mike Mullen warned Congress not to tamper with the ban on gays serving openly in the military until they can come up with a plan for dealing with potential opposition in the ranks, Friday, April 30, 2010. (AP Photo/Kevin Wolf, File)

"We will be a better military as a result.”

That’s how Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, reacted to the Senate vote to end “don’t ask, don’t tell,” the policy that kept gays from serving openly in the military.

The debate over “don’t ask, don’t tell” produced plenty of heat, but when it came time for the final roll call, there was little fire.

The Senate voted 65-31 in favor of the repeal. Several Republicans, including Sen. Scott Brown of Massachusetts, for the repeal. It’s clear America is ready to accept gays in the armed forces.

Now, it’s time for Congress, the president and the military to ensure that homosexuals are fully and fairly integrated into the military in a timely fashion.

But the process won’t be as easy as the Senate vote. Pentagon officials must draw up regulations and policies for dealing with issues ranging from public displays of affection to military housing.

Everybody understands it will take time to craft effective policies, and before any changes occur, officials must certify the military can accommodate the changes.

We urge this be done as quickly as possible, and we hope opponents of the repeal don’t use certification as a delaying tactic.

At least three times in the past 60 years, the military responded to calls for sweeping social changes in the ranks.

It happened in the 1950s when the military put an end to racial segregation, and it happened when the service academies went co-ed, and women gained greater roles in all branches of the service.

Throughout American history, the armed forces have served as the forge that turned the molten metal in our great national melting pot into a stronger country.

This latest task is no different. But Adm. Mullen is right - our military will be better once the job is done. That, we think, rates a salute.